I’m an avid camper and adventurer, sharing my experiences exploring remote, unspoiled places. Join me and my dog, Dolly, as we camp, overland, and immerse ourselves in the beauty of nature. From serene campfire moments to navigating rugged terrain in my Jeep, my goal is to bring you along for the journey.Subscribe and be part of the adventure!
I wish I could take the credit. I saw it on another channel. A surfer built it to rinse off after getting out of the ocean. I tried to include that in the video, but I couldn’t squeeze it in the 60 seconds time limit. Thanks for the comment.
My approach is to use dispersed camping as a place to stay as I travel through country I haven’t seen. I get up eat breakfast then start traveling to my next location and usually try and find a dispersed camp by 4 pm. Stay the night, repeat.
That’s pretty much what I do too. Sometimes I’ll stay a couple of nights if I really like the campsite. I’m closing in on retirement. I can’t wait until I can travel without a schedule or time restriction. I remember that you returned from Montana recently. Where are you going on the next trip?
That’s close to my stomping grounds. I’m planning to make a video on the K Trail after Thanksgiving. I have some one day vacations that I need to use. I’ve done most of the trail in sections. Poteau Mountain Road is just north of there, it’s a nice drive for fall colors. Maybe I’ll see you on the trail.
I’ve been Overlanding for 5 months now. I have yet to stay at a “normal” campground. I figure if I want “amenities”, I can go to a holiday inn. If I’m camping…then I’m CAMPING. Not sanitized and curated. Driving into a dirt parking lot with an attendant isn’t camping, imo. It mimics camping.
I agree. But I have stayed at a few remote campgrounds where there is no attendant or even a fee. Sometimes I like to break up my trip with a campground so I can refill my water, drop off my trash and take a shower. It doesn’t compare to wild camping though.
@@Steve_Chandlera Planet Fitness membership is great for showering while traveling, not to mention getting a workout in. And cheaper than paying for a campsite even just a few times a month
I am blessed too, we have two National forests in Arkansas. But I envy you. Although I’ve never been to Utah, I have camped in Arizona and New Mexico. So many places to explore and they are all beautiful. Thanks for your comment.
I Love New Mexico. The landscape is so different from the Ouachita mountains where I usually camp. I plan to go back to the Chama area again. Thanks for the comment.
Man that's a bummer. Kudos on the self recovery though! I started following you because I'm fixing to retire and you're doing exactly what I want to do. Even have the same Jeep, lol! Like you, I'd probably go solo, but I keep hearing that little voice in my head say, "Don't go wheeling by yourself..." Glad everything worked out. Really enjoying your videos, by the way.
I have the same concerns about off- roading solo. I try not to attempt anything too difficult. That one caught me by surprise. I’m closing in on retirement too. I’m having a great time seeing some beautiful places. I decided that if I’m going to see this country, I just have to go. Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate it.
It was a great campsite. Getting stuck alone was good for me. It was just a small confidence boost for future trips. I had everything that I needed to get myself out. Thanks for the comment.
I once pulled into a campsite and got out several times to check where I was backing the camper. Everything was quiet until I let the dog out and then the whole forest lite up with squirrel chatter.
Well done Steve! I appreciate the video and sharing what the Lord has done. Our God is so awesome! We are so blessed to have what the good Lord has created. All the best Brother! - Will in Arizona
Thanks Will, I love Arizona. I always thought of Arizona as cactus and the Grand Canyon, but there’s so much more to Arizona. I’ve been twice in two years and there’s more I want to see. It’s pretty incredible when you sit still and admire the intricate beauty of the tiniest flower to the majesty of a snow covered mountain peak. I appreciate your comment.
@@davidk6668 , I know some of the roads are closed during winter. I can’t remember the exact dates. Another area that you might look into is the Valle Vidal area. Both have a lot of wildlife. When I was driving out of Valles Caldera, I saw a herd of elk pouring into the meadow. I went at the end of August so I could hear the elk bugling, before hunting season started in September. I might look into trying to go after season next time.
Steve, thanks for sharing!! I really enjoyed this video and have done my due diligience and liked and subscribed. :) I do have one question, I'm rolling a Jeep Grand Cherokee and am interested in your tow rig. I'm thinking of upgrading to something similar. What brand do you have and what would I search for something like that? ~ Dave.
Dave, thanks for the comment and subscribing, l’ll try my best to make it worth your while. I’m driving a 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon that I have had for around 15 years. It is extremely good on tight trails, but has a limited towing capacity (I think 2,000 pounds). I love the little Jeep, but am considering buying a 4 door Jeep JK for the extra room and towing capacity. I have been looking at used Jeeps. In my area (Arkansas), used 4 door Rubicons run around $12k more than my Jeep (around $25k). I think a 4wd Grand Cherokee would make a good overland/camping rig. I owned a 1999 Cherokee that I loved.
Ok. I modified a Lowe’s utility trailer for camping. I have talked about it in a previous video. I tried to include a link to that video below, not sure if it will work. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-S8D91Kw4H_U.htmlsi=5Jw_VCYSVpf8XUQQ
@@Steve_Chandler made it up to Glacier National Park. Went in and drove up a side road that goes north. Can’t take vehicles longer than 21 feet on Going to the Sun Road and didn’t want to leave my camper unattended. I am coming back next year with my sons because it is a place you want to share and build memories. Just will drive and stay in hotels. What I did see going up and there was spectacular. Now I’m heading home.
It was very warm, but not hot. There was a series of three pools cascading down the hillside. There was a group in the top one, which is the hottest. I was in the middle one. That was such a cool experience, I want to see more.
I grew up on and around the Canadian River in Texas, and I have lived in New Mexico and traveled all over the State, and I have never heard of Mills Canyon. Looks like a road trip is in my future. Nice video!
I stumbled across it. Was searching for places to camp in eastern New Mexico and found it. I’m glad I did. I arrived on a Saturday night and I had it all to myself. It’s a beautiful place and the history is pretty cool too. Fuel is scarce in the area, might not hurt to have some. Thanks for the comment.
Same. I would love to have the room that you have with your Frontier. The Great Lakes are on my bucket list. One day I’ll make it up to Minnesota and Wisconsin. Thanks for the comment.
Yes, it was free. However, there was a proposal on the campground bulletin board for a fee of $10 per night for 2025. So, probably $10 in the future. Can’t wait to hear about your Montana trip.
New Mexico. I’ve traveled through New Mexico and camped, this time it’s a dedicated trip. Like most other places; the more of the state I see, the more I want to see.
@davidk6668 , cool. Montana is definitely on my list. I envy you. Have a great time and stay safe. The elk should be bugling. I bet you have an awesome time.
It is constantly evolving. I need to add JB Weld, a 3/8” torx bit set, serpentine belt, and some way to temporarily repair a radiator hose. You can’t cover everything though.
New Mexico. The two other long distance trips that I have taken have been to Arizona. I’ve researched New Mexico just enough to find campsites along the way. I always find more that I want to explore in New Mexico. It’s very diverse and has tons of public land.
I agree, it is expensive. For me, it has been worth it. There are several videos of diy tables on RU-vid that would be a less expensive option. This is one of the items that I applied the ‘buy once, cry once’ philosophy to.
Between my wife and boys this trailer design has been my goal so we can travel with one vehicle. We’ve been watching for you while we’ve been in the quachitas this summer!
Hey Brandon, when you get ready to build let me know. I have seen some pretty cheap trailers on marketplace that would be a good base for a build. There are also roof top tents on marketplace for a lot less than a new one. I’m pretty happy with mine so far.
You did a nice review of these seats. I’m an original owner of a 1997 “spec-ordered” from Chrysler TJ Sport. I have a hair over 150k on the clock…and seriously considering a complete restoration. Which in the pricing, I’m replacing the frame with a new one, and engine rebuild, and modernizing the interior. I’m retired Navy and retired from federal law enforcement…I recently suffered some mini strokes….but recovering. And frankly, my old Jeep is the only vehicle I’m comfortable driving. I’m selling my classic Porsche, my Tacoma and using the funds to modernize and restore my TJ. My seats are worn, but the brackets remaining steady and true. I’m curious….did you consider at all, a professional “rebuild and reupholstering” of the original seats? I’m talking to a professional auto upholstery shop….and thinking perforated leather. Just wondering if you even looked into it.
Thank you for the comment. I also would like to thank you for your service to our country. That’s awesome to be the original owner of a 97 wrangler. In answer to your question, no I did not consider reupholstering the original seats. My brackets were worn out and rattling and I decided to try something different. I do like the original seats and think that the are comfortable. Like you, while I’m not really restoring, I am approaching everything I do with the mindset of getting another 100k miles out of the Jeep. I just decided to go with new seats and brackets. I’m still very pleased with them after several thousand miles. If you order directly from Corbeau, ask for a t shirt. Good luck with your Jeep.
I found this. The NFPA explicitly states that propane tanks cannot be installed on the rear wall or rear bumper of a recreational vehicle. vehicle." That's in the section that governs the location of propane tanks on RVs. The RVIA follows the rules outlined in NFPA 1192 so that's why you don't see them on the back of trailers. Most tanks I see are installed on the trailer tongue.
Me too. I’ve researched rules concerning the transportation of propane cylinders. Unless I’m missing something (and I may be), I’m meeting all of the requirements. I’m going to continue researching. I don’t want to do anything illegal and I certainly don’t want to mislead anyone else.
Thanks David. NFPA 1192 5.2.3.3 states “Tanks mounted forward of the rear axle(s) shall be installed in such a manner that the bottom of the tank and any connection thereto shall not be lower than the lowest section of the frame in front of the tank.” Mine is about a half inch above the bottom of the trailer frame, so I think I’m good. Do you see it differently?
@@Steve_ChandlerI think you should be good. It seems like from what I am reading is that most of these tend to be loosely followed by the RV industry. I see tanks installed on the back of vehicles and trailers usually high up around four feet and on the corners. Yours is on the front passenger corner away from traffic side which seems to be a safe location similar to the tongue. Have fun.
I love Arkansas! It's really beautiful and the people are very nice. Love the laid back atmosphere of your adventures. Did you build your trailer and what rooftop tent did you go with? I'd love more info on your gear! Thanks for taking the time to share!
Thanks for the comment. I did build the trailer. I started with a 4x5 trailer from Lowe’s and modified it. The tent is a Smittybilt Overlander Gen 2 tent. I have a video about the trailer titled ‘A Room With A View’. I plan to make a video about the tent in the future. I love Arkansas too. I like exploring other places, but there’s no place like home.
I really like your trailer/tent setup . Looks like it is easier to set up than a ground tent . Food prep also easier , saves your back from bending over so much . Have a great weekend .
I really don’t like pulling a trailer, but I’m getting used to the comfort of the tent. It stormed during the night, and I didn’t have to worry about water pooling up outside of my tent and seeping in through the seams. It allows me to carry more gear and keep the clutter down in the interior of the Jeep too. I’ll probably be using it more often.
Occasionally, I’ll take my poly filled bags to the laundromat and wash/dry them in the large machines. You can put tennis balls in the dryer with your bag to help fluff it back up. I’ve never tried Pooph.
I never had a problem with the ticks and mosquitoes. The number of flies is a different story. They were bad. I camped in two different locations and they were bad in both.
When my wife passed 2 years ago, made me look at, re-imagine, re-plan, re-schedule my future. As a result. I am getting out more, traveling more, sering the things, and going to the places we always wanted to go. Along the way, I met, and fell in love, with a wonderful lady that has many of the same goals, plans, ideas, sense of new adventure. So away we go!
Sorry for the delayed response, your comment was held for review for some reason. Sorry for your loss, but happy to hear that you found someone who loves exploring with you. I hope you have many years together on your adventures.
